February
1 - 29, 2004
www.doodlespage.com
*************************************************************************
| Sunday, February 29 |
... March
Ordering for Retailers
'Billyboy' reports the 'March Ordering' to Ms.
Janie:
March Ordering will begin
Monday, March 1st at 7:00 am CT.
Ty Shopping Bags and Truly Yours are not available for March ordering.
Our newly introduced Whimsical Beanies are available in min. 24 - max.
36 each.
All styles must be ordered for full representation and the Whimsical
Displayer will be sent at no cost.
... 'Beanie Baby
of the Month' - Sign-up Reminder
A posting on the Ty
Cyberboard reminds collectors to sign up for the BBOTM
program soon. If you currently are not a member, you may want to
check out Ty's Beanie
Baby of the Month program. It reads: "Sign
up for the Beanie of the Month program by February 29, 2004 and you
will receive your first Beanie Baby in May 2004". There's
also a renewal link on the page.
| Saturday, February 28 |
... Beanies Head
for Iraq
Sly has shared the following
with Ms. Janie:
More than 12,000 Beanie
Babies collected by Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents will be
shipped to Iraq today after a two-month "Beanies for Baghdad"
collection effort.
It all began when one U.S. soldier decided to share a little
"courage" with a young Iraqi girl: While serving in Iraq, an
Army soldier saw an opportunity to put a smile on a young girl's face by
giving her a Ty Beanie Baby named "Courage."
The girl was overcome with joy and
that prompted the soldier, Maj. Jim Barker, to start a nationwide effort
to send more Beanie Babies to Iraqi children. The 12,700 Beanie
Babies collected by area residents, as well as other toys and school
supplies, were packed up Friday at the Gulf Power corporate office. The
toys and gifts filled 84 boxes, all 16 inches wide by 16 inches deep.
Gulf Power, local McDonald's franchises, Baptist Health Care and the
Bank of Pensacola spearheaded the collection effort. Collection began
Dec. 1 and ended Jan. 31.
Click
here to read the article
| Friday, February 27 |
... New Hallmark
Beanie Exclusive?
Posted today on the Ty Cyberboard:
ANOTHER HALLMARK
EXCLUSIVE....
oreoman (Feb 27, 2004, 06:12 PM)
Message Id: 681505
oreoman writes:
"DEAR" to be released
April 15th or thereabouts. Mother's day bear
Listed on the Hallmark retailers site.
Only for gold crown stores.
Poem
There is no one who can compare
You always show how much you care
For all the things you say and do
With love, I give this gift to you!
Watch for it.
Click
here to read the Cyberboard post
... Ty Retirement
Although no official announcement (newsflash) was posted, Ty has
retired the Ty Store version Punxsutawn-e Phil Beanie Baby this
morning.
Click
here to visit Ty Store
Added Note: Randy writes:
While Punxsutawn-e Phil has
been retired at the Ty Store today, he is still listed as being
available for ordering on the Punxsutawny Phil website. Haven't
tried calling the phone number to see if they still have them at the
following link: http://www.groundhogstuff.com/
... Snowed-In
After almost two feet of snow (here in North Carolina) over the
last two days, we are anticipating a severe case of 'cabin fever'
soon. Two to four more inches is forecast for today. Maybe
I'll bring out the digital camera soon, after stirring up the homemade
soup!
| Thursday, February 26 |
... Forbes
World's Richest People for 2004
Sly shares the following news with Ms.
Janie:
Today Forbes released it's list of world's richest people
for 2004. Once again Ty Warner makes this list and checks
in this year @ # 65! He moves a bit down the list this
year. Last year he was listed as #44.
Click
here to visit the Forbes website
... New 'Ask Ty'
Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted
on Ty's website:
Q: Why did you use a heart
for your hang tag? (submitted by joeswife)
A: From the very beginning, I wanted to create products that people
could feel good about giving to one another . . . . a gift given
"With Love" and from "The Heart".
Click
here to visit 'Ask Ty'
... 'Ronnie'
Beanie Autographed by Nancy Reagan
Our friend Sakurako of Bottega
Beanies points us to the Ronald
Reagan Web Site, which is offering a 'Ronnie' Beanie
Baby. This special Beanie is autographed by Nancy Reagan, at a
cost of $250.
 |
Signed
USS Ronald Reagan CVN 76 “Ronnie” Beanie Babie Designed by Ty, Inc. to commemorate the commissioning of the Aircraft Carrier USS Ronald Reagan CVN 76, this Babie has been autographed by Mrs. Reagan on the collar. #CVN077 $250.00 Click here for ordering details |
... More March
Releases
In addition to the new releases for March posted on Ty's website
this morning, there are two Beanies in the new issue of Ty's 'Beanies
and More' magazine. Sandra writes:
Hi Deb, I just wanted to
let you know that Ty has listed the March 'Beanie Baby of the Month'
in the latest issue of 'Beanies and More' magazine. It is a
chick called Peepers. There is also a bear called Eggbeart,
which will be available at Ty Store. The photos of both of them
are too cute. I've always loved the holiday products Ty
releases; these are perfect for my Easter decorating. Maybe Ty
will post both of them on the site soon. By the way, I heard you
guys are getting lots of snow. Stay safe and warm! TTy
SOON, Sandra
Thanks for sharing the news
with us, Sandra. We'll all keep our eyes open for the new BBOTM,
which should be posted on Ty's site soon. And yes, we are
expecting almost a foot of snow. It looks like a blizzard out
there right now! (and 65 degrees by Sunday). Go figure!
... Ty
Newsflashes
Ty has introduced the following new products for March:
Click
here to view the introduction announcement
|
Beanie Babies: Mother 2004 Giraffiti Jimbo Kookie Vegas Mystique I 
New York
|
Beanie
Buddies: Fancy Bloom Mother |
Ty
Classics: Xio Lin Baby Xio Lin |
Ty has retired the following products:
Click here to view the
retirement announcement
|
Beanie Babies: Muddy Wish Booties Seadog Zoom |
Beanie
Buddies: Billionaire Classy Magic Poseidon |
Teenie
Beanie Bopper Shy Shannon |
... 'Blarn-e'
Arriving
If you have ordered your 'Blarn-e' St. Patricks' Beanie Baby from
Ty Store, you may want to keep an eye on your mailbox. You
can take a peek at this adorable puppy on Ms. Janie's site by clicking
here.
Birthday: March 17,
2004
When you can't think of what to say
To a special friend on St. Patty's Day
Give me a kiss and you will see
Just how poetic you can be!
('Blarn-e' shares the same
birthday (March 17th) as Beanie Babies 'Erin', 'Shamrock', 'Clover',
'Luck-e', 'Killarney', and Beanie Kid 'Shenanigan'.)
| Wednesday, February 25 |
... New March Ty
Products
Yesterday we were wondering what new Ty products may be on the
horizon. Although nothing, of course, is official until
announced by Ty, one of our readers (Dennis) writes:
i work for a ty
retailer and our rep came in today with pictures of the newbies for
march. of course, there are the 5 circus beanies (which you have to
order a minimum of 24 each and you have to order all 5), the new
buddies are mother, bloom and fancy. the other 2 beanies are mother
2004 and new york. there are also 2 new classic pandas. just thought
you'll might want to know!
Guess we shall soon see! Thanks for sharing.
Note: This information was also posted on the Ty
Cyberboard, which can be viewed by clicking
here.
... 'Circus'
Beanie Photos
On Saturday, Ms. Janie posted Sue's photos (including hang tag
info) of the 'Circus' Beanies recently introduced at the New York Toy
Fair. (See Below). Additional photos have been posted
today, shared by Marilyn. (Notice the yellow color inside the
hang tag ... something new by Ty.)
Click
here to view the 'Circus' Beanies
(Individual pictures of all five Beanies can be viewed on her
site.)
| Tuesday, February 24 |
... From Cracker
Jack Prize to Jackpot
ESPN.com ... by Darren Rovell
Posted February 24, 2004
The Major League Baseball
team that should need the least promotion is at it again.
Chicago Cubs officials, who have established a reputation for being
among the most innovative marketers in sports, are ushering in the era
of the limited high-value giveaway -- hoping to sell tickets with the
lure of a limited promotional item.
This season, the Cubs plan to give away 1,200 jerseys, each ranging in
value from $180 to $300, at 12 separate games. The first 20,000 fans
entering the gate on the day of the game will receive a scratch-off
card for the chance to win the jersey of the day. The jerseys include
replicas of Greg Maddux's 1992 jersey, a 1958 Ernie Banks road uniform
and the 1984 jerseys of Ryne Sandberg and Rick Sutcliffe. ....
... "I'm
pretty sure nobody complained that we were being unfair," said
McDonough, who came up with the idea of offering Beanie Babies as
giveaways at major league games in 1997.
The Cubs are giving away 12 jerseys, with retail values ranging from
$180 to $300, during the 2004 season.
Click
here for the jersey list and to read the article
... New Products
and Retirements Soon?
Sunday is the last day of February. Will we soon see some
retirements? And what's around the corner for March? (You
might want to keep on eye on the Ty
website, including Ty
Store. Do we sniff something brewing?)
| Monday, February 23 |
... Cooled-off
Beanies are Still Selling
The
Chicago Tribune
H. Ty Warner's Beanie Baby business
remains very much alive and well, if more modest in scale, says
Michael W. Kanzler, chief operating officer at Ty Inc., Warner's
plush-toy company.
"I see it as a good, solid, steady product," he said,
likening it to the once-hot yo-yo, which remains a popular toy for
school kids.
What does this mean, in numbers? The ultraprivate Ty Inc. isn't
saying.
But sales clearly are down from their peak in 1998, the one year Ty
published figures as a way to thumb its nose at Hasbro and Mattel.
That year, net operating income was $700 million on sales of more than
$1 billion.
Some published reports put annual sales in recent years at $750
million, but they do not identify the source of the estimate.
A look at the nation's plush-toy industry offers some clues.
Sales of traditional plush toys (those that don't do anything special,
like walk or talk), were $1 billion in 2003, down 10 percent from
2002, said Christina Charasse, senior toy analyst at NPD Group Inc.
Ty is one of the major manufacturers of such toys, but still, its
sales are just a part of that total.
And NPD estimates Ty product sales in 2003 were 28 percent less than
in 2002, though it does not issue estimated sales in dollars.
"Baby Boomers had been caught up in a collecting phase, but
people are not collecting like they used to," said Pam Danziger,
author of "Why People Buy Things They Don't Need."
| Sunday, February 22 |
... Beanie
Baby Czar Building a Hotel Empire
Chicago Tribune
By Kathy Bergen, Tribune staff reporter
February 22, 2004
After mesmerizing the nation with a
stuffed plush toy, H. Ty Warner is putting some of the $6 billion
fortune he built into high-end lodging.
Like a modern-day Rumpelstiltskin, Oak Brook denizen H. Ty Warner spun
a $6 billion fortune by tinkering with a commonplace item, the stuffed
plush toy, transforming it into a Beanie Baby.
And then as the Beanie craze began to ebb at the close of the century,
the lanky marketing genius turned to an entirely different realm, that
of the ultraplush hotel, paying dearly for three choice plums.
If this were truly a fairy tale, his small, bejeweled hotel kingdom
would have floated on a soft, white cloud as the shattering effects of
9/11 and the economic downturn plunged the hotel industry into a deep
moat.
There was no magic to be worked. His properties suffered along with
the rest. But the ending to this story has yet to be written,
and some industry observers think the extremely private Warner is
sitting pretty for the long haul.
"These are classic trophy properties . . . ultimately there will
be a payoff," said one hotel industry insider who is familiar
with Warner's California properties, the swank Four Seasons Biltmore,
Santa Barbara, and the nearby San Ysidro Ranch, a rustic-style
ultraprivate haven to such glitterati as Julia Roberts and Halle
Berry. He also owns the posh Four Seasons Hotel, New York, an I.M. Pei
landmark on 57th Street. Getting to the potentially rich rewards
has not, and will not, be an easy journey.
Click here
read the article
... Lorie's
Special Gift from Korea
One of our readers, Lorie, shares the following:
Hi Deb, My
husband went to Korea in January for a year with the Army. It's
really hard to be without him but there is a perk to it.
BEANIES!! I went to the mail box today and along with a much
wanted letter, I found a box. I just thought I would share a pic
with everyone else. It's not my husband but it helps!! :-)
Lorie
Thanks for sharing, Lorie. Our U.S. forces have
a tremendous responsibility, and they carry it out with extraordinary
capability and competence. We commend them for their hard work
and dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your
husband ... I'm sure it's a difficult time for both of you.
... Deutschland,
Jack, and AP's
Michelle writes with the following:
Hi Doodles
Page,
I have the new Asia Pacific Flower Exclusive bears in hand in the UK,
which my dad bought for me from eBay. I also have the new Deutschland
bear in hand and the new Jack bear.
Deutschland's date of birth is May 9th 2003, and inside its hang tag
it reads:
Kloß' and Soß', Kassler und Kraut,
Bier nach dem Reinheitsgebot gebraunt;
Deutsche Spezialitäten mag man gern,
Bei uns in Deutschland und
anderen Landern !
Thanks,
Michelle Patterson
Click
here to view Michelle's photos
... Thanks for sharing,
Michelle! What a nice gift from your Dad! !
| Saturday, February 21 |
... Ty's Circus
Beanies Come to Town
The new (Circus) Beanies "The Greatest on Earth" have
'come to town'. Sue shares photos with Ms. Janie, including the
hang tag information.
Click
here to view the Circus Beanies photo
Click
here to view the hang tag photos
Note: The following are the birthdays for the Beanie Babies ...
Interesting that only one of them has a year '2004' birth date.
Kookie ...... July 15, 2003
Vegas ....... December 10, 2003
Mystique ... January 27, 2004
Giraffiti ...... August 31, 2003
Jimbo ........ October 2, 2003
These birthdays have been added to our Birthday
List, which includes birthdays for Beanie Babies, Beanie Kids, and Beanie Boppers.)
| Friday, February 20 |
... Elmo,
Bratz Dolls Lead Toy of the Year Parade
Chicago Sun-Times, February 20, 2004
Winners of the toy industry's
biggest honor, the Toy of the Year (TOTY) awards, were announced last
Saturday as the kickoff to the American International Toy Fair in New
York. The fair serves as the annual vehicle for manufacturers to
introduce their new products to retailers.
Fisher-Price's Hokey Pokey
Elmo was named Toy of the Year. Taking home top honors were: Girl Toy
of the Year, Bratz Super Stylin' Runway Disco; Boy Toy of the Year,
Hulk Hands; Infant/Preschool Toy of the Year, Hokey Pokey Elmo and
Little Touch LeapPad Learning System (tied); Game of the Year, Cranium
Hullabaloo; Educational Toy of the Year, Leapster Multimedia Learning
System; Property of the Year, MGA Entertainment's The Bratz. The
winners were chosen by popular vote by members of the toy industry.
...
... As part of Toy Fair's
100th anniversary celebration, the Toy Industry Association, which has
managed the fair since 1932, has compiled a list of the top 100 toys
introduced in the past century, including Lionel Trains (1900);
Erector Sets (1913); Radio Flyer Wagon (1917); Mickey and Minnie Mouse
plush dolls (1930); Betsy Wetsy doll (1937); Scrabble (1948); Hula
Hoop (1958); Barbie (1959); Easy Bake Oven (1964); Twister (1966); Uno
Card Game (1972); Teddy Ruxpin (1985); Beanie
Babies (1996); and LeapPad
(1999).
Click
here to read the article
... 'BeanBag
& Collectables' Magazine
|
The March issue of 'BeanBag
& Collectables' Magazine has hit the newsstands in the
UK. For highlights on what's in this newest issue, as
well as the photo cover, click on the link below. BeanBag & Collectables March 2004 |
| Thursday, February 19 |
... 'Ask Ty' Q
& A
The latest 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's
site. (How else would we 'expect' him to answer that question!
:)
... Asia Pacific
Exclusives
Asia Pacific Flowers
Top row: (left to right)
Mugungwha, Bunga Raya, Ferny, Sakura II, Wattlie,
Vanda
Asia Pacific Flags
Middle row: (left to right)
Coreana, Wirabear, Kiwiana, Ai, Aussiebear,
Singabear
Asia Pacific Exclusives 2004
Bottom row: (left to right)
Nara, Cinta, Silver, Hannah , Ocker, Joaquim
... Ty Newsflash
- Ty Store Exclusive
Ty has introduced a new St. Patrick's Day Exclusive at Ty Store
... 'Blarn-e' the dog.
Click
here to view the announcement
...
"The 'Trophy' Hotel: Fabulous Fixer-Upper
(The San Francisco Chronicle - The Wall Street Journal)
Beverly
Hills, Calif. -- When Hollywood's Golden Globe awards aired recently
from the Beverly Hilton hotel, certain details of the star-studded
event went unseen on camera. Among them: the hotel's stained
carpeting, chipped paint and decidedly outmoded decor. ...
Despite its glitzy reputation, the Beverly Hilton has been decaying
for years while its owner, 78-year-old former talk-show host Merv
Griffin, bypassed maintenance and sought a buyer. It's a fate that
often befalls so-called trophy hotels -- famed lodgings that are the
jewel in an owner's crown -- when said owners tire of lavishing them
with time and money.
The result can be a pricey labor of love for the next owner. Beanie
Baby creator Ty Warner is pouring millions of dollars into
refurbishing the Four Seasons Biltmore hotel in Santa Barbara, Calif.,
and the nearby San Ysidro Ranch, where Jack and Jackie Kennedy
honeymooned. The royal family of Brunei has twice renovated the Hotel
Bel-Air in Los Angeles after paying roughly $600,000 per room to buy
it a number of years ago. The effort helped restore the hotel's
five-star rating this year by Mobil Travel Guides.
Click
here to read the article
| Wednesday, February 18 |
...
'Mother 2004' Beanie Baby
Showing up in the UK is an unannounced (so far) Beanie Baby called
'Mother 2004'. Sally shares photos of this new Beanie with Ms.
Janie. (Mothers' Day is celebrated in the UK earlier than in the
U.S. ... perhaps in the U.S. soon?)
Mother 2004
Because you share your love each day
With everything you do and say
For all the hugs and kisses too
Three cheers for Mum, I love you!
Click
here to view the photos
...
Hospital Collects Toys for Afghan
Children
The 'Toledo Blade'
Article published Wednesday, February 18, 2004
...A box of donated toys and school
supplies was sent three weeks ago, but nurses, doctors, and others
kept giving. So nine more boxes full of Beanie Babies, pencils,
crayons, and other items were mailed to Afghanistan yesterday.
..."They love it," Mrs. Mollinger said. "They act like
they’ve been given a million dollars."
...Beanie Babies,
which are easy to ship given their small size, are an especially big
hit.
Click
here to read the article
| Tuesday, February 17 |
...
"The Greatest on Earth" Beanie Babies
If you're interested in the birthdays and poems of Ty's newest
'circus' Beanie Babies, a Ty Cyberboard post has listed them as follows:
|
Mystique
(tiger) |
Giraffiti
(giraffe) |
|
Vegas
(zebra) |
Jimbo
(elephant) |
|
Kookie
(dog) |
Click
here to view the Cyberboard msg - Vegas, Jimbo, Kookie
Click
here to view the Cyberboard msg - Mystique, Giraffiti
...
A Moving Story
Posted on the 'Star Bulletin':
Skye Crawford, 2 1/2, played
in her back yard Sunday with her collection of stuffed animals, gifts
from Dr. Susan Yandow while undergoing treatment for streptococcus,
which causes gangrene. While battling streptococcus, Skye was
diagnosed with leukemia, for which she is currently undergoing
chemotherapy ....
... Radiation
technicians at the hospital started her on a Beanie Baby collection,
giving her one after every painful dressing of her feet, Yandow said.
"She is a precious child. After I've done dressing changes and
had to give her narcotics, this child will give me a big hug."
Click
here to read the story
... Thanks to Randy for sharing the
news
...
'Frogmore'
A reader has sent Ms. Janie some information
on the official mascot of the Portsmouth Football Club.
Reportedly, the item was manufactured by Ty under license, solely for
the Club. It has no hang tag or tush tag. For more
information, and to view a photo on Ms. Janie's site, click
here.
Our friend Sakurako of Bottega
Beanies shares an eBay link with auctions for 'Frogmore'.
Click
here for eBay auction listings
Update: 2/19 Pompey
Sports confirmed with Ms. Janie that the Frogmore mascot is not a Ty
collectible product and is not an exclusive club item.
| Monday, February 16 |
...
The Circus is Coming
The Circus is coming to town! Included in the Beanie Baby
animal parade is:
 |
Giraffiti - giraffe Jimbo - elephant Kookie - dog Mystique - tiger Vegas - zebra |
These were first shown at the New York Toy Fair 2004,
which began yesterday. An email was sent to readers today
showing the upcoming 'parade'. Perhaps an introduction on Ty's site
soon!
| Sunday, February 15 |
...
New York Toy Fair 2004 News
Our news on Wednesday mentioned the possibility of an "I
New York" Beanie Baby to perhaps debut at the New York Toy Fair.
(This bear was mentioned in an eBay auction.) Looks like
that news is true!
A reader reports Toy Fair news to Ms. Janie that includes news of this bear ... "Ty is giving away a "I Love NY" Bear to retailers that order at the Toy Show".
There is also a new line of Beanie
Babies that come with a display called "The Greatest Show on
Earth" - with five different Beanie Babies. More info can
be found on her site.
Added Notes:
Beanwatcher has a photo of the "I Love NY" Beanie on his site, which can be viewed by clicking
here. Reportedly, an "I Love NY" was given
away at the Show; an "I Love New York" version will be sold
at retailers.
One of our readers also informs us of an eBay auction for the new "I
Love NY" Bear, with a pic. Included is a photo of a Ty pen
and pin that was given to retailers at the Show.
Click
here to view the auction
I
NY Beanie Baby:
Birthday:
July 26, 2003
Poem:
You'll never bring New Yorkers down
That's why I love this special town
Like our friend Lady Liberty
We stand with pride and unity !
... Up and Down
The Ty website has been up and down for a
good part of the day. (Perhaps technical problems, updating, or
an announcement soon?) When unavailable, it states: "Ty.com
is currently unavailable. We apologize for this inconvenience and
should have the site restored very soon. Thank you for your patience."
| Saturday, February 14 |
 |
...
Toy Fair 2004: A to Z
New product introductions from exhibiting
companies at the 2004 American International Toy Fair can be found on
the playthings.com website.
Click
here for more information
... Thanks to Randy for sharing
Note: The American International Toy
Fair begins Sunday, February 15th - Wednesday, February 18th, in New
York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Click
here for Show details
...
CHERISH News and Auctions Update
Sue Owen writes us with the latest CHERISH updates:
£192.25 raised through Valentine's Auctions!
February 15th
More auctions starting Sunday
Items on auction will be:
- Abbott the Barton's Creek Gund bear (pictured opposite)
- Papel Me to You Tatty Teddy figurine signed by Mike Payne aka 'Miranda'
- New York Issy and Card
- Set of 2003 Ty Beanie of the Month
- Chubbley package of Terri Sopp Rae original painting and bears signed by Darren Barker and Charles Rogers
- Set of 5 versions of Punxsutawney Phil
- Patricia Roche signed Serenity Beanie
- Frank Bruno signed England Beanie
- Sophie Lawrence signed Star Beanie
- Carly Hillman signed Secret Beanie
- Richard Orford signed Bubbly Beanie
- Ian McGlyn signed Frost Beanie
- Signed set of 'Poo Poo People' books
- Beauty and the Beast signed print and tee shirt
Click here to view the auctions when live on Sunday 15th February
New entries for the Decorated Breakfast Beanie Contest have been added to the Home Page too!
Best wishes,
Su
| Friday, February 13 |
...
Silent Retirement
Issy, the New York Four Season Hotel Beanie, has retired.
There was no official retirement, just a silent placement in Ty's
retired Beanie list.
(Maybe Issy will stay in retirement this tyme around! On June 5,
2001, and December 31, 2001, this Exclusive Issy Beanie retired and
was later placed back on Ty's current list. Are we confused
enough now? :)
(Thanks to Sandra for sharing the news.)
| Thursday, February 12 |
...
New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been
posted:
Q: What's your favorite
Valentine's Beanie? (submitted by scotchtape)
A: I would say that out of all the Valentine's Beanies, I have a
soft spot for the very first one . . . . Valentino !
Click
here to visit 'Ask Ty'
...
What Do You Collect?
Most everyone collects
something. Here's an interesting article ... a girl who
collects pencils. Her favorite pencil is thin and lightweight
with white teddy bears. It goes with another of her hobbies,
collecting teddy bear Beanie Babies.
Click
here to read the article
...
Make Your Own Beanie Valentines
Here's an article showing a great way to help you decorate your
Valentines' with Beanies!
By Lara Buttigieg
Thursday, 12 February, 2004
Make your own special Valentines Cards with your favorite Beanies and
other collectibles. An outdated magazine is an excellent source for
hundreds of little pictures.
This project is rated EASY to do.
Click
here for more
... Thanks to Randy for sharing
...
2004 Asia Pacific Exclusives - Photos
The six Asia Pacific Exclusive Beanie
Babies, announced by Ty on Monday, are already arriving at some
retailers, at least one in Singapore anyway. Odie hit the jackpot and
purchased all six of this Bears. Photos, and hang tag
information, can be found on Ms. Janie's site. (Some of the
'poems' are written in their native language.)
Click
here to view the photos
| Wednesday, February 11 |
...
Rumors of New Beanies - NY Trade Show
The New York Toy Fair is just around the corner - February 15 -
18. A reader of Ms.
Janie's site reported a couple of days ago ... "there
will be an unveiling of a new 'sub-line' of Beanies at the NY Toy
Fair. It will be a new Zodiac line." This has NOT
been confirmed, as noted on her site. What's also interesting is
this reader also states "those attending will be receiving
something 'extra' at the show". While our minds can
wonder (and wander), remember - it is always considered a 'rumor' until
officially announced by Ty.
Doodle's Note: There is an eBay auction, shared by one of our
readers, for an "I Love New York" Beanie
Exclusive. The auction states "This is BRAND NEW and will
be featured at the New York Toy TRADE SHOW in February and will only be
able to be purchased by the attendants of this show."
There is no photo.
Click
here to view the eBay auction
Tyme will tell !!!
| Tuesday, February 10 |
... The Newest
Toys for 2004
Posted at 7:50 pm EST ...
February
10, 2004 04:04 PM US Eastern Time zone
(Business Wire)
Toy Fair 2004 NEW
YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 2004
More than 1,500 exhibitors will debut almost 6,000 creations
throughout the next four days. The article below is a sneak peek to
help you scout out the hottest picks for 2004, with a list of showroom
exhibitors and what they have in store for this year.
Keys Publishing is launching "The Playmakers: Amazing Origins
of Timeless Toys" as a celebration of classic toys and a tribute
to the people who invented them. A 312-page gift book with over 420
color photographs and hundreds of stories, The Playmakers chronicles
the creation of everything from Teddy Bears (1903) to Beanie Babies
(1993).
Click
here to read the article
...
Thank You !
I thought I had quietly sneaked by, a few days ago, without a big
birthday 'bash'. I enjoyed a nice dinner with the family at my
favorite restaurant, and a few nice gifts Well, my mailbox has filled up quickly,
after a 'little birdie' chirped outside the window of some today.
I appreciate all the wishes and kind notes ... Thanks to everyone! (I'm just a year younger, and wiser <hopefully> ... isn't that how it works now?)
(Note: Another
'little birdie' also sends a reminder. Listen carefully.
Did you hear it? ... mark August 14th on your calendar NOW ... and
write in small letters "Ms. Janie")
| Monday, February 9 |
...
Ty Newsflash
Ty has introduced the next set of Exclusive Asia Pacific Beanie
Babies:
Cinta, Hannah, Joaquim, Nara, Ocker, and Silver.
Click
here to view the announcement
Susan writes:
Hi Deb, I've tried to determine which flower Beanie
goes with which country. After a bit of research, here's what I
have come up with so far. The Vanda Miss Joaquim
is Singapore's national flower,
first discovered in the garden of Miss Agnes Joaquim in 1893. New
Zealand is the Silver fern. Nara
is the Beanie of Japan? I'm
also pretty sure Cinta is Malaysia.
Which leaves Ocker (Australia?)
and Hannah (Korea?). Hope
that's right. Maybe you can clue me in if I've missed
something. Thanks, Susan
Doodle's Note: Thanks for sharing, Susan.
Here's what I have come up with so far.
'Joaquim' - Singapore (Singapore's national flower is "Vanda Miss
Joaquim") - previous Beanie - 'Vanda'
'Cinta' - Malaysia (Saya Cinta Mu means "I love you" in
Malaysian)) - previous Beanie - 'Bunga Raya'
'Nara' - Korea - (it means 'country' in English, per our friend
Sakurako) - previous Beanie - 'Mugungwha'
'Silver' - New Zealand (the silver fern) - previous Beanie - 'Ferny'
'Ocker' - Australia (origin?) - previous Beanie 'Wattlie'
'Hannah' - Japan - Deriving from the word "hana"
(meaning "flower" in Japanese) - previous Beanie 'Sakura II'
(Thanks, Sakurako, for the info!)
| Saturday, February 7 |
...
USNews.com - Ty Warner
Posted 9:30 pm EST ... from USNews.com
Earning a
fortune by selling the planet's dominant computer operating system or
owning a worldwide chain of superstores are impressive feats. But try
to build a $6 billion nest egg by peddling cutesy-named, cuddly
beanbag toys. Now that's impressive. And it's just what Ty Warner did
as founder of Ty Inc., the firm behind Beanie Babies. Warner, whose
office would say only that he is in his "late 50s," began
selling the plush creatures in 1993. By 1999, sales at the Westmont,
Ill., firm had hit nearly $1.3 billion, as Beanies became white-hot
collector items (partly thanks to Warner's limiting supply and sales
outlets). Some Beanies sold for thousands of dollars on the secondary
market.
Click
here to read the article
...
Retirements Soon?
The last four Beanie Baby retirements have been 'silent
retirements' ... casually placed on Ty's retirement list ...
Punxsutawney Phil (Chamber of Commerce version), Jersey (January BBOTM),
and Decade (brown version). With Valentines' Day
next weekend, perhaps some additional retirements are coming
soon. Ty
Store has two Valentine-themed
products ... 'Smooch-e' Beanie Baby and 'Kiss-e' Beanie Buddy.
Various Valentines products were recently introduced for
February. You may want to look for that special gift for your
Valentine at your retail store soon. (And don't forget the
chocolate ... mmmmm!)
(Note: The gold version 'Decade' officially retired on December
26, 2003, and was not a silent retirement. Thanks to Joe for
pointing this out.)
| Friday, February 6 |
...
Welcome 'Jack'
Looks like the new UK Exclusive Beanie has made it to stores in
the UK. One lucky collector has sent a photo of this Bear to Ms.
Janie.
Click
here to view the photo
| Thursday, February 5 |
...
New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted
on Ty's site.
Q: Do you ever give Beanie
Babies as Valentines instead of cards? (submitted by 1712115408)
A: I think Beanies are much more fun to give than cards . . . especially
on Valentine's Day. What better way is there to say "I Love
You" than with a sweet Beanie like Sonnet, Kissy, Valentine,
Secret, or Smooch-e ? For a super special Valentine, I'd add a
Cupid or Kiss-e Beanie Buddy to complete the package !
Click
here to visit 'Ask Ty'
...
"Decade" (brown version) Silently Retires
The brown version of 'Decade' Beanie Baby, announced on December 15,
2003, as a "Grand Finale" introduction, silently retired
today.
... Ty Newsflash
Ty has introduced the German Exclusive Beanie Baby
'Deutschland'. This bear has the German flag, similar to 'Jack'
(the UK Exclusive Beanie introduced on Sunday, February 1st).
Click
here to visit the announcement
... FTD and Ty team-up to delight
your Valentine
Send the very best because you care!
Beary Happy Valentine™ Beanie Baby® Chocolate Box
Send extra special wishes to your Valentines. Our Beary Happy
Valentine box has Kissy™ and Secret™, two TY® Beanie Babies®,
surrounded by specialty chocolates from Lindt, Ghirardelli, along with
foiled heart-shaped chocolates, a box of heart-shaped caramel filled
chocolates, and more. Sure to win your Valentine's heart and sweet
tooth.
Your purchase includes a FREE personalized gift message.
Delivery by FedEx® or UPS® is available on Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday using Standard, Two Day, Next
Day or Saturday service for orders placed by 1p.m. Eastern Time
to the continental United States. Please note: Perishable items may be
limited to express delivery services to ensure the product is
delivered in the best condition.
Click
here to visit the FTD site for additional info
... Thanks to Ms.
Janie for sharing the news
... Ty's February 2004 BBOTM - Heartthrob Photo
Ty's February 2004 'Beanie Baby of the
Month' - 'Heartthrob' was introduced on Sunday, February
1st. Those BBOTM members that signed up for this adorable Bear
should expect it in their mailbox soon. It is already being
received by some collectors'. Heartthrob's' poem reads:
I'm all heart some people say
Especially this Valentines Day
I share my love with one and all
No matter if you're big or small !
Ms. Janie has posted a photo from a
reader to share with others.
Click
here to view 'Heartthrob'
... New Beanie and Buddy Photos
The newest Ty products for February are now arriving at
retailers. Ms. Janie has received photos from Marilyn showing
the new Beanie Babies and Buddies.
Click
here to view the photos
(Individual photos are also posted for you to check out on Ms.
Janie's site, showing hang tag information, etc.)
| Wednesday, February 4 |
... Contest at Planet Beans
Lisa of Planet Beans informs
us of a contest on her site. She writes:
Planet Beans is having a
February (Valentine-related) contest which will run the entire month
of February. There are 5 prize packages to be won and the contest is
very easy.
Thanks! oD Lisa
Click
here for Contest details
... 'Blushing Bears' at Hallmark
 |
Have you seen them yet? Once again, Hallmark stores are selling adorable 'kissing' bears. While visiting a Hallmark this afternoon, I had to check them out. And they are too cute! When they kiss (magnetically), her cheeks glow (light up). The (2004) "Blushing Bears" are 9-1/2" high (sitting), and are $6.95 for the pair (with the purchase of 3 Hallmark cards ... regularly $12.95. They're available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores in the U.S. only. Click here to visit the Hallmark site |
... Thank You Bear - Singapore
The 'Thank You Bear' Beanie Baby has arrived in Singapore. Odie
reports to Ms. Janie of receiving this bear (new 2003 tan version) from
a retailer, and shares photos (including a copy of the letter which
accompanied the bear).
Click
here to view the photos
| Tuesday, February 3 |
... CHERISH Auction Update and More
Sue Owen shares the following:
Wednesday 4th February at
22.00 GMT some Valentines-themed auctions will begin on eBay under seller ID
sue_owen for CHERISH
All proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Research
The photos show three of the items that will be on sale: Smitten,
Yours Truly and Valentine Beanies each wearing a custom-designed sweater
made by myself. Each Beanie will be presented with a small jewelled
box containing a chocolate and gift-wrapped in a beautiful Valentine's box
complete with red tissue (watch out Ty Store!) A card can be added
with a message to a loved one if it is for a gift, and the package mailed
direct to the gift recipient. Also on sale will be a Tatty Teddy figurine,
the sale of which has already raised money for the ABC charity (Against
Breast Cancer). The designer, Mike Payne, has signed his pen-name 'Miranda'
on the base of the figurine for CHERISH. This beautiful grey bear figurine
with a real cancer awareness ribbon would make a wonderful gift or enhance
anyone's collection. Finally there is the chance to own a rare painted
Chubbley. This item has been decorated by Terri Sopp Rae, better known for
her painted Beanies. 'First' Chubbley has been decorated with beautiful
flowers and given a pink bow. She was donated by Kathie Currie.
Both of these items can be gift-wrapped if the buyer wishes More
pictures are on my website at www.boglin.net
Starting on eBay on 15th February will be a series of interesting and
international auctions to support International Childhood Cancer Day.
Included in the listings will be the Serenity Dove Beanie (Birthday: 15th
February) that Patricia Roche, Head of Ty Europe, signed for CHERISH at the
NEC Spring Fair last Sunday.
Sue Owen
| Monday, February 2 |
... Harry Potter News - Press Release
Although we typically report Ty news, occasionally we do find
something interesting that we find worth sharing. While browsing
the internet, I came across this latest Harry Potter news, for those who
wish to know the latest.
New Book Brings
Total to Just Under 100 Million in US Alone NEW YORK, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/
Scholastic will release the paperback edition of J.K. Rowling's fifth
Harry Potter novel, "Harry Potter and the Order of the
Phoenix," on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at a suggested retail price
of $9.99 at 896 pages. With a first printing of 2 million copies, the
publication of this paperback brings the total number of Harry Potter
books in print to just under 100 million.
Click
here to read the Press Release
... Ty Newsflash
Ty has posted the
February 2004 Desktop
Wallpaper and Calendar for you to download.
Click
here to view and download
... Happy Groundhog Day!
Today is Groundhog Day! Will the groundhog see his
shadow? For many of us, hopefully Spring is just around the
corner! You can check out the official groundhog site at www.groundhog.org
to see Phil's reaction. Perhaps the retirement soon of
'Punxsutawney Phil (retail version), as well as Ty Store's 'Punxsatawn-e'
version? ('Punxsutawney Phil' -
Chamber of
Commerce version - silently retired on January 25th.)
Update: If you're tired of winter, Punxsutawney Phil has
a message for you. The world's famous groundhog saw his shadow
this morning. According to legend, that means six more weeks of
winter.
... "Only at Motomachi Beanie
Baby" (Update)
On January 22nd, Sakurako of Bottega
Beanies (Japan) shared information with us of an upcoming Japanese
promotion bear on February 1st - an "Only at Motomachi
Beanie Baby". This is the Asia Pacific flag Beanie baby
'Ai', decked out in a navy blue sweater and Ty staff logo.
(Unfortunately, this Beanie is not for sale on the internet or by
phone, and was only a promotion Beanie in Japan - a collaboration
between "Ty Store" in Japan and Yokohama Motomachi street
shop owners. The Bear was a promotional sale on February 1st.
Sakurako has shared new photos with us, after apparently standing in a
long line with collectors interested in purchasing this Bear.
Click
here for more photos and additional info
... Portsmouth Jerseys Arriving
On January 21st, Ty introduced the
"Official Portsmouth Football Club Jerseys' at Ty Store. If
you have ordered one, you can look for it to arrive soon! Sue
sends Ms. Janie a photo of the jersey she just received.
Click
here to view the photo
... NEC Spring Fair UK Report
Hayley writes us with the following, after a busy day at the Spring
Fair on Sunday:
Just got back
from the Birmingham NEC after an exhausting day at the Spring Fair!
Not much Ty news but plenty of new products for other companies. I've
done a full detailed report which can be found at www.beanzaddiction.com.
It features news from Ty, Carte Blanche (Me to You Tatty
Teddies), Depesche UK (Diddl), Boyds Bears, Quarry Critters, Bean Bag
Bears, Gosh and introduces new companies, Little Bundies and Lickle
Ted, Plus photos from some of the stands!
Also, Beanzaddiction celebrated it's 2nd Birthday today (1st February)
and a new competition has started giving visitors the chance to
win a Tatty Teddy Valentines Duo!
Have a great evening!
Hayley
| Sunday, February 1 |
... Super Bowl Sunday
No, it isn't Beanie news. But we've had a busy and exciting
weekend and have been looking forward to this day for a while. If
you're not a Super Bowl 'addict', you can just skip this little section
of our news :)
With four seconds left, and a tie ball game, the Patriots kicked a 41-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to lift the New England Patriots over the Carolina Panthers, 32-29, in Super Bowl XXXVIII.
Living in the Carolinas, yes, we are big Panthers fans!!! But they had a great year, and played a terrific ball game. Our congratulations to both teams for one of the best Super Bowl games ever!
... 'Cherish' Update
... Ty NewsflashesIntroducing the new UK Exclusive - 'Jack' ...
Click
here to view the announcement
Birthdate: June 14
"The Union Jack flies across the land
With Saints combined, so we understand
That this green land will always be
The United Kingdom for you and me."
Introducing the February 2004 'Beanie Baby of the Month' - 'Heartthrob' ...
Click
here to view the announcement
... Gift Shows Begin Today
The New York Gift Show begins today at the Jacob
Javits Center, as well as the NEC Spring Gift Fair in the UK.
Daphne is attending the Spring Fair, and will post news (technology permitting)
as it becomes available. Click
here to visit the Bears and Beans website.
We'll also keep you posted with any news we hear, as it becomes
available (Super Bowl permitting. :)
Update: Posted on the 'Bears
and Beans' site early this morning:
The latest UK
exclusive from Ty Europe is ... drum roll ... JACK
